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SUMMER/2015
Fall / 2015
Converting Garages
Holiday Decorating
into livable spaces
Make it easier this year
Finished Basements save energy and deliver More living space
Curb Appeal First glance iMportant, whether on Market or oFF
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November 13, 14 & 15
Specialty Store Styling • Locally Owned Expert Assistance Saginaw
Bay City
2883 McCarty Road (off Bay Road)
3950 N. Euclid (north of Wilder)
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CUS TO
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Midland 7814 Eastman Avenue (north of the mall)
CT
2672 N. Eastman • Midland, MI 48642 989.835.4708
Hours: M-F 9-6 Sat. 8-4 Sun. 12-4
04
06
converting gArAges into livAble spAces
FActors to consider when plAnning A home oFFice
08
Achieve the ideAl sound experience At home
12
curb AppeAl: First glAnce importAnt, whether on mArKet or oFF
11
mAKe holidAy decorAting eAsier this yeAr
16
be prepAred when seconds count renovAte For Fire sAFety
20
heAting homes more eFFiciently
18
Finished bAsements sAve energy And deliver more living spAce
22
Keeping moisture in checK
CONVERTING GARAGES
INTO LIVABLE SPACES Many people decide to upgrade from their apartments or condominiums out of a need for more space. But even after moving into a new home, homeowners may soon begin to outgrow the room they have. Rather than looking for a new home, some homeowners consider expansion. Expanding a living space can be expensive, and a more affordable option may be converting existing basement or garage space into something more livable. Garages already are built on a foundation, have four walls and a roof overhead, so a garage-conversion project is merely a matter of turning this utilitarian area into a living space. Before beginning the renovation, homeowners should consider the benefits versus the cost of converting the garage. For those who are planning to grow old in a house, a garage conversion can be a worthy investment. But those who intend to sell their homes rather than retire in them may learn that
a converted garage can affect home value and make it less desireable at resale. Compare your home to others in the area and see what your neighbors have done. If converted garages are the norm where you live, your own renovation may fit in with others. Always apply for the proper permits and learn the zoning laws to see if a garage conversion is acceptable in your town or city. It’s best to go by the book so that work can be done in a proper manner and be inspected for safety. Many homeowners hope their garageconversion projects will make their garages seem like a seamless part of the rest of the house. To do so, you will need to remove evidence the space was once a garage. Slab floor will need to be raised and insulated. Walls also will need to be insulated and finished to improve comfort and soundproofing. Many garages do not have windows, so for the garage to function as a renovated space, windows may need to be added.
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One of the biggest transformations will come by way of modifying the garage door entry. Some homeowners prefer to leave the existing door so that the home still has the appearance of a garage from the curb, while others remove the garage door and rebuild the exterior wall so that it has a window or another architectural element. An architect can help suggest design elements that will camouflage the original garage look and make the space seem like it was always part of the main living area of the home. Landscaping work also can minimize the appearance of an old garage. Rather than having the driveway end at the wall of a home, shrubbery, pavers and other techniques can blend the garage renovation into the rest of the yard design. Transforming a garage into a living space space can add several hundred square feet to a home. Hire a reputable contractor and follow the municipal guidelines for modifying the space to ensure the job is done right. right. (metro services)
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S E R V I C E FAll 2015
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Lighting
Factors to consider when planning a home oFFice As technology has made working remotely easier, more and more professionals are working from home. Working from home can help working parents save money on childcare costs and help all workers avoid rush hour traffic jams and the costs of commuting to and from the office. The right working environment is essential for men and women who work from home. An environment that’s conducive to work can help people increase their productivity and make their employers more likely to allow more employees to work from home. Professionals who are new to working from home may find it takes some time before they can create the perfect working environment, but the following are a few factors to consider when planning a home office. (Metro Services)
Lighting is another factor remote workers must consider when they’re planning their home offices. Natural light can provide an energetic boost and improve your mood, so choose a room in your home that gets lots of sunlight during the day. Many professionals who work remotely do so from the basements of their homes, which can make it difficult to rely on natural light. If the basement is the only location in your home that can fit a home office, look for lighting sources that replicate daylight so you are not working in dark quarters. Speak with your physician about how to arrange lighting to reduce eyestrain caused by staring at a computer.
connectivity
Connectivity also must be considered when planning a home office. While wireless Internet has made Internet dead zones less problematic, certain areas or rooms in your home may still be touch-and-go with regard to Internet connectivity. Such areas should be avoided when choosing a room for your home office, as it can be difficult to remain productive if your connection to your office’s external server is routinely compromised. Find an area where the wireless connection is always strong.
DiStractionS
Space
One of the disadvantages to working from home is that remote workers don’t have access to the same level of equipment as in the main office, such as color copiers or scanners. If you want to include even scaled-down versions of such equipment in your office, you will need ample space. In addition, less spacious home offices can feel too tight and enclosed, making workers uncomfortable and less enthusiastic about working every day. Pick a spot in your home that affords room for your equipment and the ability to move around so you don’t feel cramped throughout the workday. 6 HomeStyle
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While your home might be empty for much of the day, you don’t want to be distracted when the kids come home from school or when your spouse or roommate arrives home from work. Avoid putting your home office too close to popular hangout areas in your home, such as the kitchen and the living room. Instead, choose a room where you have lots of privacy so you can focus on your work and won’t be routinely interrupted. Working from home can pay numerous dividends, but professionals who telework must put careful thought into the rooms or areas of their homes where they plan to work. FAll 2015
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Achieve the ideAl sound experience A At home ents ars mean m e c n e ye Adva o ver th or
y hno log me c e t l a n a ho d ig it can ow
theatre
their ne d io in o u y t s n a g t rd in mos oject, a reco r that al p d l i r u u b o or ake ning y ro o m e plan w ill m mu s i c ’r t u a o h t y ents W hen f elem ho me. o great r d e b n m a u n d go o re a etween there a b e c n fere the d if so und.
in
Jus t like in real
estate, location is crucial, so finding the bes t space within your
ho me will be vital. Yo u want to find a
place that will pro vide
ample roo m, comfortable temperatures and easy
access. A roo m with windo ws
is fine, as long as they are do uble glaze d,
sealed correctly and don’t open.
Be sure to install a heavy, well-insulate d do o r to prevent so und leakage.
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Insulation is amon g the most critical steps in crea ting an ideal so und experi ence.
Many professionals recom mend Safe’n’Sound insulation produced by Roxul. Specially
designed for your home’s interior walls, ceiling s and floors
to reduce the
transfer of noise from one room to another, this highdensity stone wool insulation provides an excellent acoustic
barrier that effectively absorbs sound. Its
nondirectional fiber structure composition,
density and friction-fit prevent any gaps and combat airborne noise such as music, speech and traffic sound s.
Sound can often echo and reverberate. Sound dampening measures such as carpeting can help alleviate the problem or you can purchase acoustic panels that prevent sound reflections throug hout your room. With basic DIY skills, you can also simply and affordably construct your own acoustic panels, using stone wool rigid board called Comfortboard IS, which is effective at reducing the intensity and propagation of noise.
Insulating properly will help achieve optimal sound quality. It will also allow you to get the most of your space without disturbing the rest of your family or neighbors. All that’s left is to turn up your tunes and enjoy. (Metro Servi ces)
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HOLIDAY
DECORATING
SIMPLIFIED It is not the holiday season until homes, stores and town centers are decorated in lights and tinsel. When entire neighborhoods are enhanced by bows and animated figurines, the celebratory tone is set and decorations can trigger happy feelings associated with holiday gatherings.
Some people find holiday decorating enjoyable and eagerly anticipate taking out storage containers and sorting through all of their memory-laden trinkets, while others are less enthusiastic about readying their homes for the season. No matter which group you fall into, the following are some simple tips to make holiday decorating easier. • Plan to decorate on a day when you do not have any other responsibilities. Choose to decorate on a day when you can devote your full attention to decorating, avoiding a day when you might be distracted by other things. If you prefer to decorate alone, ask a friend to watch the kids or have a spouse take them out of the house for a few hours. If decorating is a family event, find a day when everyone’s schedules are clear.
• Take out the decorations the day prior. Hauling boxes and containers from the attic or basement can take a while. Take some time to move all of the decorating items to a main floor of the house the day or night before your decorating marathon. This way you won’t get discouraged or tired by the task even before the real decorating has begun. • Put the tree up first. The Christmas tree is the a focal point of holiday decorations, so set up the tree and decorate it before you get started on decorating the rest of the house. If you do not get to all of your other decorating, at least the tree will be ready and your home will still have some holiday appeal. Once the lights are on, decorating the tree is a great activity for keeping the kids busy while you handle other jobs. • Divide and conquer. Nothing makes holiday decorating go faster than delegating decorating tasks. Assign specific tasks to your helpers. Put one person in charge of decorating the living room while another handles the outside lights, wreaths and inflatable items. • Turn on the tunes. Working to music frequently takes your mind off of the work and will help pass the time more quickly. Have your favorite holiday playlist at the ready and turn up the volume. Sing along to the carols or contemporary songs while you are elbow-deep in decorations. • Take some breaks. Working hungry or tired may lead to sloppy work or frustration. There’s little chance of untangling a knot in the lights with your patience in tact if you haven’t eaten for hours. Plan some time for lunch while you sit and rest. Survey the work you’ve done and make a list of the next steps. After the hard work of decorating, you’ll likely have a sense of accomplishment. Now it’s time to enjoy the holiday scene and prepare for the excitement of the weeks ahead. (Metro Services)
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CURB APPEAL:
FiRst FiR Fi Rst gLA g gLAnCE LAn LA nCE imPoRtAnt, imP im PoR Rt tA t Ant, whE wh whEthER Eth thER ER on mARkEt mAR ARk kE k Et oR oR o oFF FF by Nikki House MidlaN Midla Nd d aily News MidlaNd daily A house at first glance can say a lot. Does the house appear warm and inviting? Well maintained? Local real estate agents and a local designer say that simple observations can provide ideas for sprucing up a house, or preparing it for the next homeowners. Barbara Rice, associate broker at Mid-Land Realtors, offers some advice. “First off, back away from the house. Stand from afar and look at it,” Rice said. “What does the landscaping look like? The biggest thing is, is the front door inviting? Is the porch inviting?”. inviting?”.
Continued on page 14…
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ConTInueD FRoM pAge 13… Rice recommends making sure the front door is attractive, and that the color of the door goes with the type of siding the home has. Whether the home is brick or has vinyl siding will influence the color choices. One suggestion: “Don’t go with any more than three colors on the outside of the house.” Main colors and accent colors for the house may be simply chosen to reflect the homeowners’ tastes. However, there are also computer programs at paint and hardware stores that can help with seeing which colors will work. Keeping everything looking fresh helps a great deal as well.
“Make sure the siding is cleaned off,” Rice said. “Also, keep up with the landscaping. Landscaping should be beautiful, weed-free and looking great. And make sure the walkway is clean and clear of weeds — make it look new.” Whether the walkway is concrete or brick, keeping it clean is key. “Brick pavers are fine, if you are ready to do the maintenance,” Rice said. Carol Ostergren, Realtor with Ayre Rhinehart, agreed that the front of the house should be well kept. “It certainly needs to be neat and clean, with yards in good shape and bushes trimmed,” Ostergren said. She mentioned that driveways and garage doors can affect street appeal as well. Because people get “immediate impressions” from what they see when they drive by houses, it is a good idea
to keep the outside well maintained, for “good eye appeal.” “Lighting is a great, great way to make it look warm, inviting and homey,” Ostergren said. “In general, I love to see a nice lamppost along the sidewalk.”
Molly Warren-Haycock, of Hive Design, said there are different approaches for homeowners to sprucing up the outside of the house. “First I try to determine if they are keeping the home, or looking at trying to sell,” Warren-Haycock said. “The approach is different. If there is a commitment to living there, then the homeowner can make unique design choices.” When it comes to resale, however, “they are appealing to the majority – as much of the majority as possible – and are less apt to bring in personal flair.” While she mentioned all the standards for appeal, along the same lines as the Realtors – sharp looking yard, exterior power washed, fresh accent colors around the garage door and
Appropriate lights along walkways, and “nice, updated porch lights,” can create a “cozy and homey” look, but help with safety as well. A motion light above the garage can also help with safety. “Nice lighting can update a home and make a home attractive,” Ostergren said. Shelley Park Cluff, broker and owner at Park Place Homes, also had some recommendations. Driving through neighborhoods and looking at current trends can be helpful. “Right now trends are oil-rubbed bronze and brushed nickel fixtures,” Cluff said. The front door should have a solid color, and all colors should be clean and fresh
looking. She also mentioned the value in one particular accessory. “A nice storm door can give the sense that the house is cared for and loved,” Cluff said. 14 HomeStyle
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nice exterior lighting – she also pointed out those details that should not be overlooked. “House numbers and the mailbox are underrated, utilitarian features,” Warren-Haycock said. Clearly visible numbers can help visitors locate the house, especially if it is on the market. “If people can see where the numbers are, they can understand where they are going,” she said. Visible numbers and an appealing mailbox, in addition to keeping up the house’s exterior, can add to the sense that the house is a “cared-for investment.” “They are almost like the jewelry on the house,” Warren-Haycock said. “They are the last thing that goes on, and they are the statement makers.”
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Be prepared when seconds count: rrenovate enovate for fire safety
a
national fire prevention association study reported that, on average, seven americans die in a residential home fire each week. though you never know when fire might strike, there are important measures you can take to increase your chances when seconds count. while it’s nearly impossible to make a house completely fireproof, you can build or remodel it using fire-inhibiting materials. the better ones will help to withstand fire hazards, and they may also give you those extra precious minutes or seconds to escape in the event of a fire. when considering a home renovation, be sure to do your research for fire-rated and noncombustible products. the Roxul brand, for example, produces stone wool insulation. this insulation resists temperatures up to approximately 2,150 f, f and when directly exposed to fire, this chemically-inert material will not produce harmful gases or promote the spread of flames. industry experts explain that stone wool insulation is designed to delay the spread of fire from room to room, providing valuable evacuation time that is critical to saving people, pets, property and reducing environmental damages. helpful fire safety tips are available online at nfpa.org. you can also brush up on your fire safety knowledge y by visiting the Roxul website for a chance to win $2,500 towards extra precious moments with your loved ones. (Metro services)
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when w hen consideR conside consideRing Ring a hoM ho hoMe Me Renovation, R enovation, be suRe suRe to do youR suR youR R eseaR esea Rch foR foR fi fiR Ree-R Rated and ReseaRch fiRe-Rated noncoMbustible pRoducts. noncoM nonco Mbustible pR p Roducts.
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FINISHED BASEMENTS SAVE ENERGY
& DELIVER MORE LIVING SPACE By finishing your basement, you can gain more living space while reducing the amount of energy loss from downstairs. Basements that are not fully finished typically do not have insulated walls or covered flooring. This can result in heat loss and cause your furnace to work overtime. A remodeled basement offers more than additional storage space. It can provide a lot of extra room for a growing family, such as space for a gym, home theatre, office, guest suite, or a playroom for the kids.
To ensure a comfortable and inviting basement, there are a few project components to consider: • Insulation will make sure your space warm and comfortable. For the best results, install a stone wool insulation product, a measure that can be done easily with the ROXUL ComfortBoard IS. This product is mechanically fastened or adhered to the concrete foundation wall, offering you a higher R-value and better acoustics. • Drywall will help define the space and make it feel like a part of your
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home. If you haven’t tackled drywall before, consider hiring a pro to ensure your walls are seamless. • Flooring should be water sealed and covered with an insulated material. There are many products on the market, but consider laying padding before carpet or in-floor heating before tiles. • Personalize it with finishing touches. Select furniture that can fit down a typically steep staircase and choose items that complement the rest of your home’s décor. (metro services)
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HomeStyle 19
HEATING HOMES
MORE
EFFICIENTLY
With colder weather right around the corner, many homeowners are once again giving thought to their home heating needs and if it is possible to heat their homes more efficiently. The United States Department of Energy reports that more than half of the energy used in a typical home goes toward heating and cooling costs. With energy costs continually on the rise, many homeowners want to make the most of their heating systems and use the heat in the most efficient manner possible.
probably can use more. If after increasing insulation your home still feels drafty, it may require additional insulation in the exterior walls.
Invest in a quality thermostat. Many modern room thermostats allow homeowners to set different temperatures for different times of day, and some even allow homeowners to establish a different heating schedule for the weekends. Programmable thermostats allow A heating system is most effective when the home is free homeowners to keep their homes cooler when unattended from drafts. Before investing in a new furnace or considering or during sleeping hours. The heat can be programmed other drastic changes, determine if a few simple repairs to turn on or increase in temperature when residents are can help your heating system perform more efficiently. expected to return home after school or work. Check around doors and windows for drafts that could force heating systems to work harder, and seal any leaks you find. While homeowners are improving heating efficiency, they should reverse the direction of ceiling fan blades. Having This also will help in the summer when you are trying to the blades spin clockwise will draw down the hot air that keep the house as cool as possible. Determine if cold air is rises to the ceiling and allow it to better flow through the infiltrating the home elsewhere, such as from around pipes home. leading to the outdoors. Caulking or foam insulation can remedy the situation. In addition to these suggestions, homeowners can Adding extra insulation in garages and attics also can help. The DOE says if insulation is less than R-30, the home REUSE OVEN HEAT. After cooking a meal in the oven, open the oven door and let the residual heat escape into the kitchen and the rest of the house. Note, it is not safe to heat a home with the oven, and the oven should be turned off before opening the door.
employ these other energy- and cost-saving measures. (Metro Services)
ADD A LITTLE HUMIDITY. Moist air tends to hold heat better. Add some humidity to dry indoor air, particularly if the relative humidity of the home as measured with a hygrometer is below 25 percent. Houseplants and home aquariums can add some warm moisture to the air and reduce reliance on heat. 20 HomeStyle
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LIMIT USE OF EXHAUST FANS. After showering or cooking, keep the exhaust fan on for as little time as possible so that warm air is not drawn out of the home. Heating a home efficiently means reducing drafts, programming the thermostat and making the most of other ways to warm up.
RECORD: 1, PAGE: 1
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RECORD: 1, PAGE: 1
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HomeStyle 21
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•
Ventilate areas of the home. Ventilation can be the first step to reducing indoor humidity. Target the areas that create the most moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Turn on venting fans to remove moist air from the bathroom during showers and baths. Exhaust hoods can control humidity from cooking in the kitchen. When possible, open windows on dry days to help air out damp spaces.
KEEPING
• Rely on fans. Use fans to circulate the air and
MOISTURE
prevent moist air from pooling in certain locations. Fans also will help increase ventilation.
•
IN CHECK
Keep gutters and downspouts clean. Prevent water from pooling around the foundation of a home and infiltrating the basement or crawlspace. Direct gutter water further away from the house if possible, and keep gutters free of obstructions.
Finding the right moisture balance in a home can be challenging. Too little moisture and a home can be plagued by static electricity and interior spaces that can feel dry and uncomfortable. But too much moisture in a home may make it susceptible to mold, mildew and insect infestations. Moisture also can rot wood and cause unsightly stains on walls and ceilings.
•
Service HVAC systems regularly. Routine inspections of heating and cooling systems can identify any problems, such as clogged air-conditioning drain lines or faulty operation, that can contribute to moisture problems.
• Beef up insulation. Insulate cold water pipes and
Maintaining humidity in the optimal indoor range helps to keep the home safe, reduce energy consumption and keep a home’s occupants healthy. Damp conditions can lead to the growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria and may exacerbate people’s asthma and allergies. The ideal relative humidity range of a home should be between 40 to 50, according to heating and cooling experts and the Environmental Prevention Agency. Humidity should be even lower in the winter to prevent condensation on windows and other surfaces. Lower relative humidity also reduces the out-gassing of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
look into insulated toilet tanks that will help eliminate condensation issues. Sealing out moisture in a basement or crawlspace also can help. Vapor barriers can eliminate a great deal of moisture coming into the home.
•
Address any plumbing leaks. Make sure you trace possible leaks to their sources and have them repaired. Constantly dripping water can add to humidity levels and create other problems.
•
Use a dehumidifier. If all other efforts have been tried, a dehumidifier unit can help remove excess moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers are particularly helpful in basements where moisture can collect.
Measure humidity with a hygrometer to get an accurate assessment. If the humidity levels fall above or below the desired range, action should be taken. Homeowners dealing with excessive moisture can try these remedies.
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Controlling moisture in a home results in a safer and healthier space. (Metro Services)
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